Dumb Starbucks: County health department shuts down faux shop

The comedian says he plans to open another faux cafe in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The comedian says he plans to open another faux cafe in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Samantha Schaefer

The Los Angeles County Health Department shut down the Dumb Starbucks on Monday just as the man behind the faux coffee shop in Los Feliz revealed he was the host of a Comedy Central TV show.

The shop was closed for operating without a health permit, the department told The Times. A sign was posted on the front window of the store on Hillhurst Avenue on Monday evening, saying it was closed for violations.

Comedian Nathan Fielder held a tongue-in-cheek news conference outside the storefront in a strip mall, wearing a green apron adorned with the mock logo.

Dozens of people were still waiting in line for cups -- beverages were no longer being served -- as Fielder began speaking.

Fielder, whose show "Nathan for You" airs on Comedy Central, told reporters and Dumb Starbucks patrons who filled the strip mall parking lot that he has always wanted to own a small business.

He said capitalizing on Starbucks' corporate name really helped this one take off.

"There have been lines around the block, and very few small businesses get that from the start," he said.

Did Comedy Central know about this? a reporter asked.

"Oh, they do now," Fielder said.

No word on when a new season of his show will begin or what's next for Dumb Starbucks -- though Fielder said he hopes to open a location in Brooklyn.